Balances Buying Guide

Mechanical or electronic?

When considering which balance is best for your application, the first decision
you’ll need to make is whether to choose a mechanical or electronic balance.
Mechanical balances are usually used in elementary and middle school classes to
teach basic weighing techniques. These balances, due to their hands-on nature,
also help students develop manual dexterity and show them how mechanical
movement is translated into a measurement value. Mechanical balances do not
require electrical power. They have a fixed weighing unit, fixed weighing mode,
and no computer connectivity for recording and storing measurement data.

Electronic balances are primarily used in high school and college classes. Easy and fast to operate, these balances enable students to use their lab time more productively when performing complex, multistep experiments. Electronic balances require electrical power, either from batteries or a plug-in adapter. Advanced functions include selectable weighing units, selectable weighing modes, and computer connectivity for recording and storing measurement data.

Major features of electronic and mechanical balances

Mechanical

Electronic

For elementary school and above

For high school and above

Hands-on learning approach

Easy, fast measurements

Nonelectric

Electric

Fixed weighing unit

Selectable weighing units

Fixed weighing mode

Selectable weighing modes

No computer connectivity

Computer connectivity

Understanding balance specifications

The following specifications describe key balance capabilities. Understanding
these specifications can help you choose the balance that best meets your
application’s requirements. Tip: Be sure to read individual product
descriptions carefully because they may include additional specifications
pertinent to your application.

Capacity

The
maximum weight the balance can measure. Choose a balance with 10 to 15% more
capacity than your application requires.

Readability

The
smallest difference in weight that the balance can display. Choose a balance
that meets or exceeds the readability that your application requires.

Repeatability

The
accuracy of the balance in measuring the same weight within a given time. Choose
a balance that meets or exceeds the repeatability that your application
requires.

Weighing Units

The
units of measure that the balance can display. Choose a balance with the
weighing units that your application requires.

Weighing Modes

The balance’s ability to perform specialized weighing tasks. Examples of this
include percent weighing, parts counting, and animal weighing. Choose a balance
that offers the weighing modes that your application requires.

Environment

The range of environmental conditions (typically temperatures) in which the balance
can provide accurate measurements. Choose a balance that provides accurate measurements under the environmental conditions in which it will be used.

Connectivity

The balance’s ability to connect to a computer and record and store measurement
data. Choose a balance with an RS232 or USB port if your application requires
computer connectivity.